The former lottery pick, who became a free agent when the team declined to exercise his contract option, agreed to terms Friday on a two-year deal.

"The situation with the contract is not final yet, but we're working on it and I'm still with the Clippers," Korolev said. "I'm happy I'm going to be here."Under NBA rules, Korolev's new contract, which guarantees him about $800,000 and includes a team option for the 2008-09 season…

After the season, the Clippers had the option of picking up Korolev’s rookie contract to the tune of $2.7M for 2007-2008 but, to nobody’s surprise, declined the option.

Korolev is only 20 years old. Though we saw only 42 minutes of him last season, he presumably has the same skill set he did when the Clippers drafted him #12 in the 2005 draft. The popular mythology among the naçion is that Korolev is beastly in practice, during which he flashes his athletic freakishness and deft passing skills. Remember, Korolev won the 2005 L'Hospitalet Junior Tournament’s slam dunk contest [yes, I realize that we’re talking about Europeans, but still…].

With Maggette and Thornton [not to mention Thomas who is basically a 3] at the small forward, where and when Korolev will play is another matter. At 6’ 10” and considering the state of the Western Conference game, it’s conceivable that Korolev, with his length, could spell Brand at the 4. However many minutes Korolev plays, a mere $800,000 buys Mike Dunleavy another year to work with the organization’s most intriguing project.

Posted Wednesday, October 29 at 3:20PM

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MD Sr needs Korolev b/c everybody knows he wants to package Corey in a trade to get a quality point guard. Too bad - b/c the Clips in 06/07 played their best ball when, mostly due to injuries, Corey got lots of burn...

How'bout bringin' back Darius Miles? He wants to play. He's recovering from previous knee injury. Portland is waiting for him to retire. It'd be great if we can bring him back to his original team. Clipper fans would embrace him even if he can't play major minutes.

Mohamed Abukar hit some threes and showed good range. Thorton, Diaz and Davis were impressive. Although, Jordan did do anything special, he ran the team efficiently and had delivered some good dimes.
What position does Abukar play?

Where did NBATV camera crew go at 7pm?
All other games were covered fully with regular crew. But all of them disappeared in & around Las Vegas strip when Clipper game began after 7pm. They left couple of stationery cameras just to keep online coverage going as scheduled!

JJw, I was wondering about that too. There's no Archive or even highlights of the Clips/Nuggs game on NBA.com, but you can find video on all other games. It's totally unfair that the Clips are overlooked.

I read this on a blog, and the time has come to face the inevitable, I have to agree with the writer. We must give up our heart and soul or suffer a slow and painful death.

“The Clips should realize that they are going nowhere. They're starting backcourt has an average age of 35 years of age, and Cassell has shown some significant signs of aging and unfortunately Livingston may never play again. It will take them at least 2-3 years to be back at a competitive level, and that's ONLY IF they make a trade to get young talent. If they don't, they will be like the Warriors Pre 2006. Not good enough for the Playoffs, but not bad enough to get a top lottery pick. NO MAN'S LAND!!!

A trade of Elton Brand, Quinton Ross and a 2nd round pick for Brandan Wright, Monta Ellis, Patrick O'Bryant, and Saras Jasekevicius would give them a young nucleus with some playoff experience, not to mention Kaman in the middle. A sign and trade of Pietrus for Cassell can also be done. In this trade the Clips not only get young playoff experienced talent, but an expiring contract in Saras ( who's has yet to be given an ample opportunity) and another almost expiring contract in Adonal Foyle.

Warriors will get Brand who can be the answer to the Warriors interior, a 1-year rental on Sam Cassell, the LA Clippers mal-content Quinton Ross, and a 2nd round pick. ”

If they attempt a last minute improbable playoff push this season, they run the risk of losing Cassell to retirement or free agency at the end of the season receiving nothing in return and they run the risk of being a mediocre team. Mediocre, but not bad enough to earn a top lottery pick in the draft to replace Cassell and Livingston. I honestly cannot see a better trade scenario for both teams.

There is also a plethora of superstar PG’s in next year’s draft. Includin OJ Mayo, Gordon, Lawson, Collison, Bayless, etc next season but they are only available if they really tank the season and get a top 5 pick.

This trade will obviously help the Clips, the only question is will the Warriors bite as they have other optins: they can land Garnett, trade for a big elsewhere, trade for Camby, or stand pat.”

Unfortunately, we have to blow the team up now. When we start talking about Brevin Knight as a key free agent pick up that will somehow take us over the top and take Jason Hart's place. WE HAVE PROBLEMS. Instead of risking losing brand for nothing next year, we should get something for him.